7 Holes that Can Swallow Ministry
by
I have
four earned degrees and my toughest by far was an industrial engineering
degree from Ga Tech. That degree taught me to think systematically. In
addition, I’ve added to my competency tool box many books on church
planning plus two churches where I’ve served have engaged in year-long
visioning processes with church consultants. So, I’m well versed and
trained in the church visioning/planning process. But Will Mancini‘s seminal book on the subject, Church Unique-How Missional Leaders Cast Vision, Capture Culture, and Create Movement has opened my eyes to vision clarity. From his book I learned 7 holes that can swallow any ministry.
In chapter one in a section called “Lost on the Way to Your Own DNA,”
he lists subtle thinking patterns that can suffocate vibrant thinking.
He coins these patterns or holes, ‘thinkholes.’I’ve listed them here with brief definitions.
- The ministry treadmill: busyness eliminates time for reflection…leads to just adding more programs.
- The competency trap: presumption that past methods will continue to work decreases appetite for learning…leads to just working harder.
- The needs based slippery slope: consumerism removes the need for discernment…leads to trying to make people happy.
- The cultural whirlpool 1: BuzzChurch-innovation short circuits self-awareness…leads to just trying to be cutting edge.
- The cultural whirlpool 2: StuckChurch-change outpaces the discipline for learning…leads to glorifying the past.
- The conference maze: success increases the temptation to copycat…leads to just modeling best practices.
- The denominational rut: resources disregard local uniqueness…leads to just protecting theology.
How about you?
Do you agree that these issues can hinder effective ministry? What has helped you overcome them?
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